Thinkfinity+Resources

==Here are the Thinkfinity links we found at the CCISD Pre-Service on August 19 & 20 for Jr. High & High School Teachers. By searching on the title of the activity in Thinkfinity, you can easily find the same lesson and activity for other grades.==

=Illuminations: =

== [|Prize Numbers]: Grades 6-8 In this lesson, students explore what a proof is. They form a better understanding of how and why mathematicians created them. Then, students compose essays on how reason and logic are employed in the workplace. Students are motivated to find out whether any three lines can make a triangle. They examine the function of a proof and attempt to verify Goldbach's conjecture. Then students compose essays on the value of employing proofs in math as well as in other disciplines. In this lesson, students must be able to communicate their solutions in writing and orally. They keep a journal of their solution process and share their findings with the rest of the class. == ==[|Apple Pi] : Grades 6-8 Students measure the circumference and diameter of circular objects. They calculate the ratio of circumference to diameter for each object in an attempt to identify the value of pi and the circumference formula. ==

=== [|Fraction Model One] : Grades 3–8   This tool explores several representations for fractions using adjustable numerators and denominators. You can see decimal and percent equivalents, as well as a model that represents the fraction. ===

=== [|Capture/Recapture:] Grades 6-12   In this lesson, students experience an application of proportion that scientists actually use to solve real-life problems. Students learn how to estimate the size of a total population by taking samples and using proportions. The ratio of “tagged” items to the number of items in a sample is the same as the ratio of tagged items to the total population.  ===

== [|Mean and] [|Median] [|:] Grades 6–12  This applet allows the user to investigate the mean, median, and box-and-whisker plot for a set of data that they create. The data set may contain up to 15 integers, each with a value from 0 to 100. ==

== [|Concentration:] Grades PreK– 5 Play alone or against a friend to form pairs. Match numbers, shapes, fractions, or multiplication facts to equivalent representations. The game can be used to practice facts by using the clear pane mode, or for an added challenge, play the game with the windows closed. ==

== [|Five’s a Crowd:] Grades 6–8 Students play a game in which they try to list 5 countries or states in order from most crowded to least crowded. Using area and population data from a Web site, they estimate quotients to make their list. They determine whose list is closest to the actual order by applying a mathematical model (scoring system), which they later evaluate. ==

== [|Barbie Bungee:] Grades 6–12 The consideration of cord length is very important in a bungee jump—too short, and the jumper doesn’t get much of a thrill; too long, and //ouch//! In this lesson, students model a bungee jump using a Barbie® doll and rubber bands. The distance to which the doll will fall is directly proportional to the number of rubber bands, so this context is used to examine linear functions. ==

== [|Angle Sums]: Grades 6–8 Examine the angles in a triangle, quadrilateral, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon or octagon. Can you find a relationship between the number of sides and the sum of the interior angles? ==

== [|Rectangles & Parrellograms :] Grades 3-5 Students use dynamic software to examine the properties of rectangles and parallelograms, and identify what distinguishes a rectangle from a more general parallelogram. Using spatial relationships, they will examine the properties of two-and three-dimensional shapes. This Internet Mathematics Excursion is based on an [|E-example] from the NCTM // [|Principles and Standards for School Mathematics] //. ==

== [|Order of Operations Bingo:] Grades 6-8 Instead of calling numbers to play Bingo, you call (and write) expressions to be evaluated for the numbers on the Bingo cards. The operations in this lesson are addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. None of the expressions contain exponents. ==

== [|Power Football:] Grades 6-8 In this activity, you can choose which operations you would like to work with -- addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, or all of the listed operations. Also, the problems can be presented to you in "algebra" style where one of the numerical values are given and the solution is given. You must figure out the missing numerical value. To begin the game, the computer gives you a math problem which uses one or all of the operations listed above. You type in your answer to the problem and hit the "Go" button. If your answer is correct, the ball will move in the air towards the goal post. If your answer is incorrect, then you lose a down (a turn). If the ball goes through the goal post, you score. You must answer the question given after you score correctly in order to get the ball back and for the downs to restart at zero. The game is over when you go four downs without scoring. This game allows students to practice basic operations skills and pre-algebra. ==

== [|Random Drawing Tool – Individual Trials:] Grades 3-12 This applet simulates drawing tickets from a box, where each ticket has a number written on it. After you decide which tickets to place in the box, the applet chooses tickets at random. The relative frequency of each number is displayed in a frequency distribution at the bottom of the applet. ==

== [|Soma Cube Central:] Grades 9-12 This project is designed to help students explore solid geometry and enhance their spatial reasoning using a manipulative they make themselves. Given a collection of wooden cubes, students begin by determining the number of ways that four cubes can be glued together (face on face). They then glue the cubes together to form the pieces of the "Soma Cube". Subsequent activities use these pieces to create and represent various irregular solids, and ultimately to use the pieces to form a cube. The activities are designed to help students to learn to work together to solve problems. It also helps give students experience in communicating and representing their results mathematically. The project provides detailed plans, solution guides, and ideas for assessment. Links to other resources and ideas for using the Soma cube are given. The site is well-designed and easy to navigate, and its activities are likely to be stimulate some interesting mathematical explorations. ==